Process for producing 1, 3, 3-trisubstituted-4-(beta-haloethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone



3,192,230 PROCESS FOR PRODUCING 1,3,3-TRISUBSTI- ggglipt-(fl-HALoETfiYL) 2 PYRROLIDI- Carl D. Lunsford, Richmond, and Albert 1). Cale, Jr.,

Bon Air, Va., assignors to A. H. Robins Company, Inc.,

Richmond, Va., a corporation of Virginia No Drawing. Filed Feb. 9, 1961, Ser. No. 88,036 13 Claims. (Cl. 260-326.5)

' The present invention relates to certain heterocyclicorganiccompounds which may be referred to as 4-(omegasubstituted alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones and is more particularly concerned with 4-(omega-substituted alkyl)-3,3-

-disubstituted-1-substituted-Z-pyrrolidinones and with processes for the production thereof, intermediate products useful in'th'e preparation thereof, and with processes for the preparation of such intermediates. The inventionis especially concerned withsuch compounds of the formula: a V Ii" wherein: A is lower-alkyl, cycloalkyl, monocarbocyclic aryl, or monocarbocyclic aralkyl;-R is lower-alkyl, loweralkenyl, cycloalkyl, monocarbocyclic aryl, monocarbocyclic aralkyl, pyridyl, thienyl, or thenyl; R is loweralkyl, lower-alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or monocarbocyclic aralkyl; R" is hydrogen or methyl, a maximum of one R" being other than hydrogen; :1 is zero or one; B is halogen, hydroxy, mercapto, lower-alkylmercapto, lower-alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, lower-alkanoyloxy, cyano, carboxy, carbonyl halide, carb-lower alkoxy, carbamyl, lower-alkanoyl, -N- (lower alkanoyl)-amino, phthalimido, and amino.

- The compounds of the invention having the foregoing Formula X are generally characterized by important and significant pharmacological activity, which is indicative of their use in counteracting certain physiological abnormalities in an animalbody. The compounds are ana- United States Patent l ce I 3,lZ,Z3 Patented June 29, 1965 hereinafter, some of these compounds, though active in themselves, are also valuable as intermediates in the preparation of other and still more active compounds of the said Formula X. The omega-haloalkyl compounds fall in this category. All those compounds having a reactive functional group in the omega side-chain position are of course useful as reactants in standard-type reactions characteristic of the omega functional group contained therein. While the degree and relative degree of their activities varies, all of the compounds were found to exhibit the valuable analeptic activity, although, because of the relative degree of analeptic as compared with hypotensive activity, some of the compounds are preferred as hypotensives as already stated above.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to produce novel 4-(omega-substituted-alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones which are useful pharmacologically because of their aforesaid types of activity, processes for the production thereof, and intermediate products useful in the preparation thereof, andpro'cesses for the production of such intermediates which in themselves have useful pharmacological activity. Other objects of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and still other objects will becom apparent hereinafter. I p

In the definitions of symbols in foregoing Formula X and where they appear elsewhere throughout this specification, the terms have the following significance.

By monocarbocyclic aryl radical is meant an aryl radical of the benzene series, having six'ring carbon atoms, and this term includes the unsubstituted phenyl radical and phenyl radicals substituted by any radical or leptics, hypotensives, or both. Certain compounds of the n radicals'which are not reactive or otherwise interfering under conditions of the reaction, such as nitro, loweralkoxy, lower-alkylmercapto, lower-alkyhhalo, and the like; The substituted-phenyl radicals have preferably no more than one to three substituents such as those given above and, furthermore, these substituents can 'be in various available positions of the phenyl nucleus and, where mor'e'than one substituent is present, can be the same or different and can be in various position combinations relative to each other. The loWer-alkyl, loweralkoxy, and lower-alkylmercapto substituents each have preferably from one tothree'carbon atoms which can be arranged as straight or branched chains.

7 Among the suitable amino radicals included within the symbol B are primary, secondary, and tertiary amino radicals, such as unsubstituted amino (-NI-I (lower.- alkyl)-amino; di-(lower-alkyD-amino; (lower-alkenyD- amino; di-(lower-alkenyl)amino; phenylarnino; (hydroxy-lower-alkyl)-amino; di (hydroxy lower alkyl)- amino; basic saturated monocyclic heterocyclic radicals of less than twelve carbon atoms, as exemplified by piperidino; (loWer-alkyl)piperidino, e.g., 2-, 3-, or 4-(lower-alkyl)piperidino; di-(lower alkyl)-piperidino, e.g., 2,4-, 2,6-, or 3,5-di-(lower-alkyl)-piperidino; (loweralkoxy)-piperidino; pyrrolidino; (lower-alkyl)-pyrrolidino; di-(lower-alkyl)-pyrrolidino; (lower-alkoxy) pyrrolidino; morpholino; (lower-alkyl)-morpholino; di-(lower-alkyl)- Q morpholino; (lower-alkoxy)-morpholino; thiomorpholino; (lower-alkyl)-thiomorpholino; di (lower alkyl)- thiomorpholino; (lower-alkoxy)-thiomorpholino;. piper-' azino; (lower-alkyl)-piperazino (e.g., C- or N -methy1- piperazino), di-C (lower-alkyl) piperazino; N -(loweralkyl)-C-(lower-alkyl)piperazino; N (hydroxy loweralkyl)-piperazino; N-(lower-aliphatic acyloxy lower-alkyl)-piperaz ino (e.g., N-acetoXy-, isobutyroxy-, or octanoyloxyethyl or propyl)-piperazino; (lower-alkoxy)- piperazino; and (lower carbalkoxy) piperazino. The terms lower alkyl and lower alkoxy, when employed herein, include both straight and branched chain radicals of not more than eight carbon atoms.

In the foregoing definition of R, certain cyclic radicals are referred to. When pyridyl is referred to, the 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl radical is intended. When thienyl or thenyl radicals are referred to, these may be the, 2- or 3-thienyl or 2- or 3-thenyl radicals.

Theterm lower-alky as used herein includes straight and branched chain radicals of up to eight carbon atoms inclusiveand is exemplified by such groups as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, tertiary butyl, amyl, isoamyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, and the like. The term alkenyl includes straight and branched chain radicals of two up to eight carbon atoms inclusive and includes such groups as, vinyl, .allyl, methallyl, 4-pentenyl, 3-hexenyl, and 3- methyl-3-heptenyl. The term cycloalkyl" as used herein incudes. primarily cyclic, alkyl' radicals containing three up to nine carbon atoms inclusive and encompasses such groups as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, methylcyclohexyl, propylcyclohexyl,v ethylcyclopentyl, .propylcyclopentyl, dimethylcyclohexyl, cyclohep-v tyl, and cyclooctyl. The term cycloalkenyl as used here in includes cyclic alkenyl radicals containing up to nine carbon. atoms inclusive and encompasses such: usual radicals as 1- and 2-cyclohexenyl and 1- and 2-cyclopentenyl. Included in the term aralkyl are lower-alkyl substituted mono-carbocyclic aryl groups such as benzyl, phenethyl, methylbenzyl, phenpropyl and the like. The radicals R and Rin'the above Formula X, as stated-in theforegoing, are inclusive of such groups as lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl, 'cycloalkyl, and aralkyl, and are preferably although not necessarily radicals ofa solely hydrocarbon nature.

Included ,within the scope of -N-(lower-alkanoyl)- amino. are the corresponding tertiary amino radicals designated N-(lower-alkanoyl)-Nlower-alkylamino. term carbamyl encompasses not only the primary amino containing carbamyl radicals,-but also-the'correresponding N-phenylor N-(lower-alkyl)-carbamyl and.

N,N-di-(lower alkyl)-carbamyl radicals as well as the corresponding N,N-monocyclic'alkyl or saturated heterocyclic carbamyl radicals, wherein the saturated monocyclic heterocyclic radical is'as set forth under the definition ofiamino in the foregoing. The amino moiety of the ,carbamyl radical is additionally variable in accord with the definition of .amino previously given.

When B is amino, the compounds of Formula X may be converted to acid addition and quaternary ammonium salts by reaction of the free base with the selected acid or acid ester, e.g., an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl halide-,-sulfate, or sulfonate, preferably in the presence The " duce, when combined with the free bases, salts whose anions are relatively innocuous to the animal organism in therapeutic doses of the salts, so that beneficial physiological properties inherent in the free bases are not vitiated by side-effects ascribable to the anions. Appropriate acidaddition salts are those derived from mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydriodic acid,

nitric acid, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid; and organic acids such as acetic, acid, citric acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid. The quaternary ammonium salts are obtained by the addition of alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl esters of inorganic acids or organic sulfonic acids to the free base form of the tertiary amino compounds. The alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or aralkyl esters so used include such compounds as methyl chloride, methyl bromide, methyl iodide, ethyl bromide, propyl chloride, allyl chloride, allyl bromide, dimethyl sulfate, methyl benzenesulfonate, methyl p-toluenesulfonate, benzyl chloride, cyclopentyl bromide, benzyl bromide, and substituted benzyl halides, such as, p-chlorobenzylchloride, p-nitrobenzyl chloride, o-chlorobenzyl chloride, p-methoxybenzyl chloride, and the like.

The acid-addition salts are prepared either by dissolving the free base in an aqueous solution containing the appropriate acid and isolating the salt by evaporating the solution, or by reacting the free base and the selected acid in an organic solv'ent,rin which case the salt separates 7 directly or can be obtained by concentration of the solution. If two or more equivalents of acid are used, a poly-acid-addition salt is obtained .in: those instances where there is more than one basic nitrogen atom in the molecule'.- If one equivalent of acid is used a vmonoacid-addition salt is obtained.

The quaternary ammonium salts are prepared by mixing the freelbase andthe alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl ester in an organic solvent. Heatingmay be used to facilitate the reaction. The .quaternary ammonium salt separates directly or can be obtained by concentra- I alkyl, or aralkyl ester per mole of base is used, a mono quaternary ammonium salt is obtained. If two or more moles of ester per mole of base are used, a poly-quaternary ammonium salt may be obtained, the number of of an organic solvent inert to the reactants under the con-,

ditions of reaction and under substantially anhydrous conditions. When the compounds are to-be used as intermediates for preparing other compounds orfor any other non-pharmaceutical use, the toxicity or non-toxicity of.

the salt is immaterial. When the compounds are to be used as pharmaceuticals, they are most conveniently used in the form of water-soluble, non-toxic acid-addition quaternized centers depending upon the number of basic nitrogen atoms present in the. free base and the number of equivalents of ester used.

When halogen is referred to herein, preferably but not necessarily a halogen of atomic weight in excess of 19 is employed. Of the halogens, chlorine .is preferred.

' The present invention provides valuable new pharmacologically-active organic compounds, and intermediates therefor, having an omega-substituted .alkyl -substituent in the four position. Although pyrr-olidinones are known wherein substituents on the 'l-nitrogen atom have been of a reactive nature, to the best of our knowledge no compounds of the present type, having a substituted alkyl group attached to the 4-position of the 2-pyrrolidinone ring, in addition to, substitution in the 1-position, and disubstitution in the 3-position of said ring, have heretofore been known or preparable by any method, neither have the starting materials therefor been known heretofore.

The compounds of the invention, as stated in the foregoing, are valuable per so due to their pharmacological activity but are additionally of great value as intermediates in the preparation of related compounds in which the omega-substitnent is widely variable. The preferred compounds for all purposes are the 3,3-diaryl'compounds, especially the 1-lower-alkyl-3,3-diphenyl compounds.

The starting materials for the-process, of the present inventionare the substituted acetonitriles of Formula IV. These may be prepared by the process diagrammed in Chart I, wherein all of the symbols have the meanings given previously.

I 7 CHART I.PREPARATION OF STARTING ACETONITRILES (IV) (I) (n) NaNH;

RI! B -F Cl RII N/ RII I i R" R,

' (III) N (IV) The alpha-(1-substituted-3-pyrrolidyl)-alpha, alphadisubstituted- (e.g., dimethyl or diphenyl) acetonitriles (IV) are generally prepared by alkylating the alkali metal, e.g., sodium, salt of the appropriate alpha, alpha-disubstituted-acetonitrile (II), e.g., dimethylacetonitrile 01 diphenylacetonitrile, with the appropriate 1-substituted-3- halo (e.g., chloro)-pyrrolidine in a suitable solvent such as dry toluene. The sodium salt of the alpha, alpha-disubstituted-acetonitrile (II) is formed by reaction of the nitrile with sodium amide in the dry solvent, e.g., toluene. The condensation with the 3chloro-pyrr-olidine (III) is usually carried out with the application of heat, e.g., in refluxing benzene, toluene, or like solvent, for an extended period,

-- e.g., approximately three hours. The solvent, e.g., toluene,

solution is then washed with water and the product extracted, as with' one normal hydrochloric acid. This acid extract may then be basified with sodium hydroxide, ex-

The following preparation illustrates this method in which,

if desired, the radical R may alternatively be introduced into the acetonitrile molecule after the pyrrolidyl radical,

ozl-isopropyl-S -pyrrolidyl) -a-allyl a-phenylacetonitrile, a-(1-allyl-3pyrrolidyl)-ix,a-dicyclohexylacetonitrile, al-phenyl-3 -pyrrolidyl) -oi,a-dimethylacetonitrile,

, a-( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -a-benzyl-u-phenylaceto-- rather than before the pyrrolidyl radical, which sequence 7 {was indicated in the foregoing.

The following preparations and examples are given by way of illustration only and are in no event to be construed aslirniting. The temperatures given are in degrees centigrade, unless indicated to the contrary.

PREPARATION 1 ,aqueous layer together with; an oil layer were separated,

made basic with dilute sodium hydroxide, and extracted with ether. The ethereal solution was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated and the residue was distilled in .vacuo. Yield 250 g. (78%); B.P. 190200/0.'15 mm. The material crystallized from a 4:1 ethanol-water mixture. M.P. 76-77.

Analysis.--Calcd for C H N C, 82.97; H, 8.23; N, 8.80. Found: C, 83.21; H, 8.12; N, 8.62.

" nitrile,

u,a-bis-(1-isopropy1-3 pyrrolidyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile,

a-( l-isopropyl-B-pyrrolidyl) -oc (2- or 3 -thienyl) -a-pheny1- acetonitrile,

a-( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl -a- (2- or S-thenyl) -oc-Ph6I1Ylacetonitrile,

oc-( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -m- (p-methoxyphenyl) wtphenylacetonitrile,

a-(1-is'opropyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-oc-(m-chlorophenyl)-aphenylacetonitrile,

a-( 1-isopropyl-3 -pyrrolidyl) -a- (o-methylphenyl) -aphenylacetonitrile,

a-( l-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -a-methyl-u-cyclopentylacetonitrile,

oc-( 1-isopropyl-5-methyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-a, x-diphenylacetonitrile,

a-( 1-isopropyl-4-rnethyl-3-pyrrolidyl -a,a-diphenylacetonitrile,

a-(1-isopropyl-3 -methyl-3-pyrrolidyl -a,a-diphenylacetonitrile,

u-( 1-isopropyl 2-methyl-3 pyrrolidyl)-a,a-diphenylacetonitrile,

u( l-methyl-3-pyrrolidyl) a-phenyl-a- (Z-piperidyl) acetonitrile, and

a-( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -a-phenyl-a- [4-(N-methylpiperidyl) 1-acetonitrile,

respectively prepared as indicated in the foregoing by the reaction of a-Allyl-u-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropylpyrrolidine;

a,a-Dicyclohexylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-allylpyrrolidine;

u,ot-Dimethylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-phenylpyrrolidine; I

u-Benzyl-a-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropylpyrrolidine;

a-Phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropylpyrrolidine;

u- ('2- or B-thienyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

a-(2- or 3-thenyl)-u-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

a-(p-Methoxyphenyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chlorol-isopropylpyrrolidine;

a-(m-Chlorophenyl)-u-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

a- (0-Methylphenyl) -a-phenylacetonitrile with S-chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

a Methyl-a-cyclopentylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

a,e-Diphenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-isopropy1-5- methylpyrrolidine;

d,a-Diphenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropyl-4- methylpyrrolidine;

,a-Diphenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropyl-3- methylpyrrolidine;

a,a-Diphenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropyl-2- methylpyrrolidine;

Table l v ACETONITRILES x (9) a-(2-py idyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile and 3-chloro-l-cyclohexyl pyn'olidiixe (10) a-(2-pyridyl)-a-pheny1acetonitrile and 3-chloro-1- n-butyl pyrrolidine 5 (11) a-(Z-pyridyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile and 3-chIoro-1- isopropyl pyrrolidine (12) a-(2pyridyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile' and 3-chloro-1- ethyl pyrrolidine (13) a-(Z-pyridyl)-o-pheny1acetonitri1e and 3-chloro-1- methyl pyrrolidine t 14) 05- (2-pyridy1)-oc-(p-methoxyphenyl)-acetonitri1e and S-chloro-l-methyl pyrrolidine 15 a-(2-py1idy1)-a-(p-methoxyphenyl)-acetonitri1e and 3-chloro-1-ethy1pyrrolidine (16) a-(2-pyric1y1)+a-(p-methoxyphenyl)-acetonitrile and 3-chloro-1-isopropyl pyrrolidine,

(17) a-Isopropyl-a-phenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1or0-1- ethyl pyrrolidine l-isopropyl pyrrolidine (19) a-Methyl-a-phenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1oro-1-isopropyl pyrrolidin'e i (20) u-Cyclopentyl-wphenylacetonitrile and 3-chloro-1- 5 isopropyl pyrrolidine v (21) a-Cyclohexyl-u-phenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1oro-1- isopropyl pyrrolidine 1 1 29 (18) a-lsopropyl-a-phenylacetonitrile and 3-chloro- REPRESENTATIVE a-(l-SUBSTIT U'IED-3-PYRROLID YIJ)-a,a-DIS UBS TITUTED- u-PhenyLuV-(2-pyridy1)-acetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-methylpyrrolidine V and'subsequent catalytic reduction of the pyridine nu-.

cleus; and. u-Phenyl-a-[4-(N-methy1piperidy1) ]-acetonitri1e with 3- The physicalicon stants of some representative 'u(1-sub stituted-3-pyrro1idy1)'-a,op-disubstimted-acetonitriles within the scope of Formula lvare shown in Table I.'

Iii this Table I, the'compbunds characterized, in the 10 order of the table; were prepared from the following reactants:

(1) Diphenylacetonitn'le and 3-ch1or0-1-methy1 pyrrolidine I (2) Diphenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1oro-1-ethy1 pyrrolidine 15 (3) Diphenylacetonitrile and S-chloro-l-isopropyl pyrrolidine i v (4) Diphenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1oro-1-isobuty1 pyrrolidine (5,) Diphenylacetonitrile and ,3-chloro-1-cyc1ohexy1 pyrrolidine (6) Diphenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1-oro-1-benzy1 pyrrolidine (7) a-(2-pyridyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile and 3-chl0ro-1- benzyl pyrrolidine (8) a-(2-pyridy1)-oz-phenylacetonitrile and S-chloro-l-isobutyl pyrrolidine 1 See foregoing discussion for starting materials; R equals 11. 1 Compound made but not characterized.

The'preparation of the 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-3,3-disubstituted-1-substituted-Z-pyrrolidinones and other 4-(omega-substituted alkyl)-3,3-disubstituted-1-substituted-2-pyrrolidinones of the invention, respectively designated IX and X, is indicated by the following diagram:

rearrangement 'will'be seen from the following-outline (Chart 3)'in1which all atoms are shown..

In this Chart 3, when no extraneous Q-f ion is present while the mixed anhydride (VII A) is in the form of its equilibrium intermediate (VIII), then Y is' the only CHART 2.-PREPARATION OF 4-(OMEGA-SUBSTI- TUTED ALKYL) 3,3-DISUBSTITUTED 1-SUBSTI- TUTED-Z-PYRROLIDINONES coon hydrolysis I R n (IV)-- A? R" J- R R" R1! partial hydrolysis I N I I hydr'h'lysis L (v11) [Eixd' anh dridg C II II (X= halogen) R Q A. CHW'CHR -Q I I! o t 1 r In this reaction sequence, the acid (VI) is reacted with an acid anhydride capable ofv forming a mixed anhydride X, or in' going from (VI) to (IX), has been further elucidated. It has been found that the reaction is not limited to introduction of the omega-halogen atom X duringthe rearrangement of (VII) to a 2-pyrrolidinone "but, alternatively, that a diiferent negative ion or radical Q1 entering from outside the reaction or released from within,may be introducedinto the omega position during acid anhydride plus 1 halogen ion X (e.g.,th:l.ony1 f halide or phosphorustri h a1ide) on i acid anhydride lusQanion (Q is different than x) anion :in the reaction and emerges as the omega alkyl substitunt Q in the product, as in (IX) or (X). However, when an excess of Q is a component of the reaction mixture at equilibrium intermediate form (VIII),thi's ion Q replaces Y in the final product, appearing as the omega-alkyl Q substituent.v I 4 Examples are included herein of representative Y" anions in the absence of Q- anions, e.g., halo, such as C1" or Br, lower-aliphatic acyloxy, e .g., acetyloxy, and where Y and Q- are diiferent' "anions, for example, difierent halogens, different lower-aliphatic acyloxy groups, one a halogen and the other an acyloxy group, and the like. It is in: this manner possible to directly the rearrangement reaction. The apparent course of the 75 introduce iodine, for example, as the omega-alkyl sub- 11 stituent by introduction of sodium iodide into the rearrangement reaction of the mixed anliydrid'e-(VII'EA), where Y-is acetyloxy, thus producing a compound of FormulaIX in whichQ is. iodine. I 1 .xThatthe mechanism is. oneiwhich occurs at the -'equilibrium: stage [compound 7 (VIII)] is clearly indicated, for example, by the fact that Nal. is not eifective under the conditions of reaction to replace an established omega-acetyloxy radical. Where the anion is introduced from outside the reaction, the reaction is facilitated by 10 use of a suitable solvent for the anion,- such as methyl ethyl ketone when an alkali metal iodide is employed.

(IV) by hydrolysis, or it may be prepared by hydrolysis of the intermediate amide v(V)-which in turn maybe prepared from the acetonitrilev(IV) by a partial 11y drolysis- The 4-haloalky1 compound.(IX) is convertible to numerous other omega-substituted alkyl products (X), including those of increased side-chain length, as more fully disclosed hereinafter.

The 1,3,3,4-tetra-substituted-Z-pyrrolidinones of the present invention are in general prepared by the reactions outlined in Chart 2 of this specification. ,Presented in .the following are general descriptions and specific examples which more fully illustrate the experimental details.

CHART 3.--OUTLINE OF REARRANGEMENT M REACTION COURSE 1 & a O a l In compound I .v

' (IX)"Q-' --halogen (X), .Q=other than, halogen Y"="ani on f Q- =aniong-sam as .or different than I The fl-haloallryl compounds (IX) are generally prepared by nthe rearrangement of the vacid (VI) via ,the mixed anhydride, in this case the acid halide (VII). The

In preparing the 4-haloalkyl compounds (IX) from the a-(l substituted-3-pyrrolidyl)-a,a-disubstituted acetonitriles (IV), the nitrile is first hydrolyzed to the corresponding acid (VI) by the action of a strong mineral acid, e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid, for example, approximately 80 preferably aqueoussulfuric acid, or concentrated (e.g., near 35%) hydrochloric acid. Usually this hydrolysis is. readily effected .by heating at a a relatively high. temperature, e.g. 1-40, preferably acid (VI)? may be prepared directly from the acetonitrile 75 -140, degrees centigrade for an. extended period, e.g.,

13 a from five to 48 hours. Lower temperatures increase the required reaction period, higher temperatures may shorten it somewhat but are not recommended since decarboxylation may occurv from excessive reaction temperatures or periods and the incidence of undesired side-reactions, e.g., sulfonation, is thereby also increased. Upon completion of the hydrolysis, the solution of the acid (VI) may be cooled, as by pouring onto ice, and basified with an alkali, e.g., sodium or potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, or he like, and extracted with an appropriate organic solvent. Halogenated organic solvents such as chloroform, ethylene dichloride, and the like are preferred. The resulting solution of the basic salt is then acidified, as with an anhydrous mineral acid, preferably by passing anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas into the solution, the solution. of the resulting acid salt dried with a conventional drying agent such as sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, or the like, and finally concentrated, to leave the crude salt of the acid (VI), which may, if desired, be recrystallized from conventional solvents, or isolated after neutralization as the. free amino acid. Alternatively, the residual acid salt may be converted without isolation to the corresponding mixed an- 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2 pyrrolidinone. In such case, the residual acid'salt is usually heated, preferably under reflux, with an acid anhydridecapable of forming a mixed anhydride therewith, together with a halogen ion (which halogen ion may either be added to the reaction or generated in situ), for example, with thionyl chloride, phosphorus trichloride, corresponding bromides, such as phosphorus tribromide and thionylbromide, acetic anhydride plus sodium iodide, or the like, until complete disappearance of the characteristic acyl halide carbonyl frequency from the infrared spectrum, usually for a, period of two to three hours, during which reaction the acid (VI) first converts-to the acid halide (VII) or other mixed anhydride (such as VTIA where Y equals acyloxy), and then rearranges tothe 4-halo-alkyl-2-pyrrolidinone (IX). Halides of strong acids are preferred, and temperatures up to about 100 degrees are usually employed.

The acyl halides (VII) or other mixed anhydrides (VII A) are unstable 'even at room temperature and rearrange readily upon heating. It is therefore most convenienttocontinue heating of the reaction product containing the same, in the presence of the selected halide ion, without making any attempt at isolation, until establishment of the characteristic pyrrolidinone carbonyl frequency, indicative ofcompletion of the preparation of the desired 4 haloalkyl-2-pyrrolidinone viathe rearrangement mechanism.

When the acid anhydride is used as solvent as well as a reactant, a considerable excess may be and frequently is employed, although when thev anhydride is acetic or other lower-aliphatic, preferably lower-alkanoic,

Example I.'4(fi-chl0r0ethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1- isobutyl-2-pyrrolidinone.

A solution of 100 grams (0.314 mole) of a ar-diphenyla-(l-isobutyl-S-pyrrolidyl)-acetonitrile in. 500 grams of 70% sulfuric acid was heated at l30-140 for 48-hours, poured onto ice, made basic with sodium hydroxide, and

hydride, i.e.', the acyl halide, and then rearranged to the extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution was acidified with hydrogen chloride gas, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was refluxed in 500 milliliters of thionyl chloride for three hours; the resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo; and the residue was crystallized from isopropyl ether. Yield 69 grams (62%); M.P. 113-113.5.

l e benzyl 4 (,6 chloroethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 2- pyrrolidinone, 4 (f3 chloroethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 1- methyl- 2. pyrrolidinone, '4 (fl chloroethyl) 1- 'cyclohexyl' 3,3 diphenyl 2 pyrrolidinone, 4 (flchloroethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 1 ethyl 2 pyrrolidinone, 4 (l9 chloroethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 1 isopropyl 2- pyrrolidinone, and 4 (2 chloroethyl) 1 isopropyl- 3-methyl-3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinon are respectively prepared in the manner of this example from a-(1-benzyl-3- I pyrrolidyl) 41,0; diphenylacetonitrile, a (l methyl- 3 pyrrolidyl) 0:,a diphenylacetonitrile, a (1 cyclohexyl 3 pyrrolidyl) 0:,0: diphenylacetonitrile, a (1- ethyl 3 pyrrolidyl) ,0; diphenylacetonitrile, a (1- isopropyl 3 pyrrolidyl) (1,0: diphenylacetonitrile,

and or. (1 isopropyl 3 pyrrolidyl) a methyl 0tphenylacetonitrile.

The 4-bromoalkyi compounds were prepared in the same manner as the 4-chloroalkyl compounds with the exception that thionyl bromide or phosphorus tribromide was used as the halogenating agent. The following illus- "trates thepreparation of the 4-bromoalkyl compounds.

Example 2. a 1 ethyl 3 pyrrolidyl) a, diphenylacetic acid and 4-(fi-br0methyl)-3,3-diphenyl- ,J-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone A solution of 365 g. (1.26 mole) of a-(1-ethyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-a,a-diphenylacetonitrile in 1500 g. of 70% sul- "furic acid was heated at 130 for 48 hours. The acid solution was poured onto ice and made basic with sodium hydroxide. The resulting mixture was extracted with chloroform and the chloroform layer together with an oil layer which formed were acidified with dry hydrogen chloride. A small amount of water was separated and the resulting chloroform solution was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated leaving crude a (1 ethyl 3 pyrrolidyl) at, diphenylacetic acid hydrochloride. g

Portionsof this crude acid were treated as follows:

' PROCEDURE A A solution of 31.5 g. of the crude a-(l-ethyl-B-pyrrolidyl)-a,a-diphenylacetic acid hydrochloride and 42.8 g. (0.2 mole) of thionyl bromide in seventy ml. of chloroform was refluxed for;seven hours. An infrared spectrum indicated formation of the acyl bromide but no rearrangement to the pyrrolidinone. The solution was concentrated;redissolved in 100 ml. of chloroform and treated with fifty ml. of morpholine in a dropwise manner, with stirring. The resulting solution was extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid, concentrated, and the residue dissolved in 200 ml. of boiling methanol. The

solution was decolorized with Norite activated charcoal and filtered and 25 ml. of water added. On cooling, the product precipitated and was recrystallized from a methanol-water mixture. Yield 4.0 g.; M.P. l29l30.

. l Example 4 .3,3-diphenyl-4- (2 z'0d0ethyl ,-1 isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone flux was continued for thirtyminntes and anadditional 1.0 ml. acetic anhydride was added. After an additional one hour of reflux, the solvent was removed at reduced pressure. and the residuewas dissolvedin 25 ml. of 95% alcohol. Chilling produced a white solid which was collectedand recrystallized from 95% alcohol. Yield, 2.15 ,g. (70%); M.P. 143-146. A mixture of this material .With that preparedaccording to. Example 5 showed no depressionof melting point.

5.3,3-diphenyl-4-(Z-ioa'oethyD-lisopropyI-Z-pyrrolidinone A mixture .of 25.0 g. 0.073 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl l-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and 12.5

7 Example g.; (0.083 mole) of sodium iodide, in 200 ml; of acetone was stirred and refluxed for, eighteen hours. 'About threefourths of the acetone was distilled off and 400 ml. .of water was added slowly to the cooled mixture. The solidwhich formed was separated and recrystallized from 400 Analysis.-Calcd for v.CQH INO: N, 3.23.. Found;

Yield,,24.9 .g. (79%); M.P. 144- Additional. illustrative examples of the general method and procedure for preparation of the acid (VI) and-use thereof (with isolation) in preparation of the correspond- ,ing mixed anhydride, i.e.,- the acyl halide, (VII) and rearrangement of the acyl halide tothe 4-omega-halo- JA mixture 'of 36 g. (0.12 mole) of a,e-'diphenyl-a- ,(l-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-acetonitrile in 120 g. of 70% The .lhot solution was poured onto 100 g. of ice andfthis mixture was made strongly basic with 50% sodium hysulfuricacidwas heated at 128-134.for 64 hours.

droxide The. water was removed at reduced pressure and. the residue was extracted with two 250ml. portions of boiling absolute alcohol. The alcoholic extracts were dried at reduced pressure and the combined residue dis- ,solved ,in 400 of water and, glacial acetic acid addeduntil no more precipitate formed. The precipi 'tated solid was collected and'dried. Yield, 34.1 g. (88%).

'The material was recrystallized from dimethylformamide.

M.P.248-250" (dec.). Analysis.+Ca1cd for C H NO C, 77.98; H, 7.79;

N, 4.33. Found: C, 77.79; H, 7.99; N, 4.13.

.Example .7. a-(1-ethyi-3-pyrrolidyl)aa,a-diphenylacetic acid .and .4-(fi-chlor0ethyl)-1-ethyl-3,3-diphenyl-2-pyrrolidinone.

a-( l-ethyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-u, x-.diphenylacetic acid was.

prepared by the hydrolysis of u-(1-ethyl-3-pyrrolidyl)- a,a-diphenylacetonitrile in 70% sulfuric acid at 130-440 for 48 hours. The free acid was isolated and crystallized 35, alky1-2-pyrrolidinone.(D() are as follows (seealso-Example 13). x

Analysts-Galen for C H CINO: C, 73.27; H, 6.76; N, 4.27; Cl, 10.82. Found! C, 73.50; H, 6.82; N, 4.38; Cl, 10.68.

In the manner of the preceding examples, but starting with the appropriate acetonitrile (1V) shown in Preparation 1 or in Table I, or the corresponding acid (V1) ,or intermediate amide (V) hydrolysis product, the following '4-omega-haloalkyl-2-pyrrolidinones are prepared, the halo substituent varying' with the acid halide employed or the halogen ion extraneously introduced into the reac+ tion: l

4-(B-chloroethyl)-3-allyl-3-phenyl-l-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4-(fichloroethyl)-3,3-dicyclohexyl-1-allyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4-(fl-chloroethyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone' I 4-(fi-chloroethyl)-3-benzyl-3-phenyl-l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinonep v 4- fi-chloroethyl) -3 -phenyl-3-( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4 (B-chloroethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3-thienyl)-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4-(B-chloroethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2w or 3-thenyl)-l,

, isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4-(B-chloroethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(p-methoxyphenyD-lisopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone I 4- (fl-chloroethy-l)-3-phenyl-3-(m chlorophenyD-lisopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4-(fl-chloroethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(o-methylphenyD-F isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4-(13-ch1oroethyl)-3-methyL3-cyclopentyl-l-isopropylf 2-pyrrolidinone pyrrolidinone 4-(fl-brornopropyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-2- pyrrolid-inone 4-(B-chloroethyl)-4-methyl 3,3-diphenyl-1 isopropy1-2-.

pyrrolidinone 4-(B-ch10roethyl)-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone .4-(gamma-chloropropyl)-3aphenyl-3-(2'-piperidyl)-,1-

methyl-,2 -pyrrolidi1ione i h '4-(gamma-chloropropyl)-3-phenyl-3 [4'-(N-methyl-j piperidyl) ]-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone I 4 (,a-chloroethyl)-3,3 diphenyl-l-rnethyl-Z-pyrrolidinon 4-(B-chloroethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1-ethyl- Z-pyrrolidinone 4-( ii-chloroethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1-methy1-2- pyrrolidinone' 4- fi-chloroethyl) '-3 p-methoxyphenyl 3 2-pyridyl lmethyl-2-pyrrolidinone v 4'( 8-chloroethyl)-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)- 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4-( a-chloroethyl)-3-(p-methoxyphenyl) 3 (2-pyridy1)-lisopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone e 4- fi-ehloroethyl -3-isopropyl-3-phenyl- 1-ethyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- B-chloroethyl) -1,3-diisopropyl-3-phenyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- (fl-chloroethyl)-3-methyl-3-phenyl-1aisopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- (fi-chloroethyl)-3-cyclopentyl-3-phenyl- 1-isopropy1-2- pyrrolidinone I 4- B-chloroethyl) -3-cyclohexyl-3 -phenyll-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone 4(A-chloro-2-butyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4-( -chlorobutyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- ('y-chloro-fi-methylpropyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone,

the last three compounds being produced by reacting the corresponding hydroxy compounds with the selected thionyl halide according to Example 29, as are the sixteenth and seventeenth compounds in the foregoing list.

While most of the foregoing products represent the omega-haloalkyl compounds (1X) produced using thionyl chloride or phosphorus trichloride, the corresponding 4- omega-bromo compounds are produced when employing thionyl bromide or phosphorus tribromide, and corresponding iodides are produced when employing sodium iodide in an acetic anhydride medium.

In some cases, the nitrile '(IV) hydrolysis, as abovedescribed, stops short of the acetic acid (VI) stage and rather produces, at least to a major extent, the corresponding a-(l-substituted-3-pyrrolidyl)-a,a-disubstitutedacetamide (V). In other cases, production of the acetamide (V) may be effected by use of more concentrated solutions of acid, e.g., 80-100%, and sometimes even as low as 70%, or a lower temperature, thereby to efiect only partial hydrolysis of the starting acetonitrile (IV) to the acetamide (V) rather than to the acid (VI). In such cases, the desired acid may be obtained from the amide by treating a lower aliphatic acid, e.g., acetic acid, solu tion of the acetamide (V) with a strong anhydrous mineral acid, preferably hydrochloric acid, together with a suitable source of nitrous acid such as an alkyl nitrite, e.g., n-butyl nitrite or iso-amyl nitrite. The alkyl nitrite is preferably introduced slowly into the solution of the acetamide with stirring, whereafter the solution is allowed to continue to react for an extended period of up to about 24 hours. Preferably, the solution is allowed to stand at temperatures up to about room temperature for a period of up to about twenty hours, and thereafter at higher temperatures, e.g., up to about 100 degrees centigrade, for a short period to complete hydrolysis to the acid. The resulting acid (VI) may then be isolated in the usual manner, as indicated in the foregoing, or by adding aqueous alkali, e.g., ten percent NaOH, to the hydrolysis reaction mixture to cause neutralization thereof, and thereafter precipitating the solid acid as by acidification of the neutralized solution with a weak acid, such as acetic acid or the like. The acid (VI) may, however, be converted with or without isolation, as indicated previously, to the corresponding acyl halide or other mixed anhydride, which in turn is rearranged (respectively without or with extraneous halogen ion) to the corresponding 4- haloalkyl-2-pyrrolidinone. The preparation of the 4-haloalkyl-Z-pyrrolidinone directly from the acetamide (V) without isolation of the intermediate acid (V1) is illustrated by the following representative example:

Example 8.-4- (B-chloroethyl) -3-cycl0pentyl-1-isopr0pyl- 3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidin0ne A solution of 73 g. (0.232 mole) of a(1-isopropyl-3- pyrrolidyl)-a-cyclopentyl-a-phenylacetamide in 200 ml. of glacial acetic acid was saturated with anhydrous hydrogen chloride and 47.9 g. (0.464 mole) of n-butyl nitrite was added slowly below the surface over a two-hour period while the solution was being stirred. The temperature of the mixture was controlled at 26-30 during the addition, and then at room temperature for fifteen hours (overnight) and then at for three hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and dissolved in 100 ml. of chloroform. The chloroform solution was washed with water and concentrated, and the residue refluxed in 500 ml. of thionyl chloride for two hours. The excess thionyl chloride was removed in vacuo, the residue dissolved in chloroform, and the resulting solution washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was distilled. B.P. 178l80/0.03 mm. Distillate was crystallized from ligroin (B.P. 65l10). Yield 57.3-g. (74% M.P. 74.5-77.5

4 (13 chloroethyl) 1,3 di isopropyl 3 phenyl- 2-pyrrolidinone and 4 (,8 chloroethyl) 3 cyclohexyl- 'l-isopropyl-3-phenyl-Q pyrrolidinone were prepared in the manner of Example 8 from a-(l-isopropyl-3-pyrro1idyl)- a-phenyl-a-isopropylacetamide and ot-(1-isopropyl-3-pyrrol-idyl)-a-cyclohexyl-a-phenylacetamide, respectively.

Although in going from the acetonitrile (IV) to the acid (VI) the acetamide (V) is an obvious and constant intermediate, it is seldom intentionally isolated in practice. However, its isolation is sometimes of advantage, as where hydrolysis under the conditions required to produce the acetic acid (VI) are such as may cause at least partial decarboxylation of the acid with resulting low .yields thereof. An example of the preparation and isolation of an a,u,a-tr-isubstituted acetamide follows:

Example 9.-a-Cycl0pentyl-a- (1-is0pr0pyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -u-phenylacetamide A solution of .150 g. (0.507 mole) of a-cyclopentyl-a- (l-isopropyl-ii-pyrrolidyl)-a-phenylacetonitnile in 800 g. of 70% sulfuric acid was heated at 147 for 48 hours. The solution was poured onto ice, made basic with 50% sodium hydroxide and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extract was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was distilled in vacuo. Yield g. (66%); 3.1. 2 2i1-225l 0.20 mm. 7

Analysis.--Calcd for C H N Oz C, 76.38; H, 9.62; N, 8.91. Found: C, 73.77; H, 9.3 9; N, 9.58.

Example 10.-Additi0nal amides Other representative amides, prepared and isolated in the manner of Example 9 and purified by cooling, basifying, and extracting, washing, drying and concentrating in conventional manner, are as follows:

u-Is opropyl-a-( 1-isopropyl-3 -pyr-rolidyl) -u-phenylacetamide -B.P 17'51l80 C. at 0.05 mm. Hg pressure.

a-Cyclohexyl-a- 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -a-phenylacetamide, BAP. 208216 C. at 0:14 mm. Hg pressure.

a,a-Diphenyl-a (-1-methyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-acetamide, M.P.

a,a-Diphenyl-a-(1-ethyl3-pyrrolidyl)-acetamide, M.P.

a,u-Diphenyl-a-( 1isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -acetamide,

'MJP. 41415-4142 C.

a-( 1-cyc1ohexy1-3-pyrrolidyl)-m,a-diphenylacetamide,

M.P. 119-122" C.

oa-( 1-ethyl-3-pyrrolidyl -a-phenylx- 2-pyridyl) -acetamide, M.P. -161" C.

a- (1-methyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -a-phenyl-a-(2-pyridyl) -acetamide, M.P. 1150-153 C.

a-( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -a-phenyl-u- (2-pyridyl) -acetamide, M.P. 127.5-133 C.

a( l-n-butyl-3 -pyrr-olidyl) -a-phenyl-u-( 2-pyridyl) -acetamide, M.P. 108411 C.

All of the foregoing acetamides (V) may be used as isolated in the preparation of the corresponding 4-haloalkyl-Z-pyrrolidinone without purification.

The physical constants of some representative 4- omega-haloalkyl) -2-p-yrrolidin0nes, made from the acetonitrile (IV) via the amide (V), acid (VI) and via rearrangement of acyl halide (VI'I), with or without isolation of the intermediate acetamidc (V) and/or acetic acid (VI), or by introduction of extraneous halogen ion into the reaction mixture at the mixed anhydride (VII B- V'III) stage, or as otherwise fully disclosed hereinafter, are shown in Table II, the gamma-halopropyl compounds being made in accord with the discussion in column 29 particularly in accord with Example 29.

2% Example 11 .3,3-diphenyl-2-(Z-hydroxyethyl) *1 -isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone Table II REPRESENTATIVE 4-(OMEGA-HALOALKYL)-2-PYRROLIDINONES 1 A- -(CHR) nonnmnn -x n 0 \N/ E Analysis MI. 12': R A x n (13.5.). c n N Misc Calcd. Oalcd. Calcd. Caled. Found Found Found Found a our 01 0 140-1 72. 71 a. 42 4. 46 C 1. g a it? cH. or o ogHfi'm (hm a 5 V V 73.50 6.82 4.35 cm, c6115-. CnHs Br 0 129cc (:4. 52 a. 96 3. 7s mos iii? $33 i'ig H on c1 0 l 1 102.. 9'53 til Cm- CFT C 0 6 as 5 n2 1- H on 01 o 95- 03 1r .5 as til 2% H 05H 01 n .5-. 1 1 as Eli til on CH c1 o 09- l 03H, 6 u a 5 C1 113 5-4.5 CH o E a r2; lit it? 1 H's CKI K 0 -2 5. 10 as til 22% on on.. 01 o 1 CoHiOHZ o a a E I 0 147 140 Oink CT-l'x 1 03317 A as. 05 5. a7 l-olrr, om. cm: (:1 1 sass. 5 74. 24 7. as 74.51 7.37

1 Rf equals H.

As indicated in the foregoing discussion and Chart 2,

' the 4-(omega-hal-oalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are convertible fore preferred to convert the haloalkyl compound to anacyloxy, e.g., lower-alkanoyloxy such as acetoxy, compound and thereafter hydrolyze according to conventional basic hydrolysis procedure to the hydroxy group, which has theadvantage of excellent yields.

The 4-(fl-hydroxyethyl) derivatives were, for example, prepared by hydrolyzing the [acetates with aqueous sodium hydroxide as per the following example.

The various omega substituents' concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between chloroform and water and the chloroform layer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue crystallized and was recrystallized from aqueous ethanol. Yield 22 g. (73%); M1. 186-182.

The 4-(orneg-a-acyloxy alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone compounds are prepared either from the selected 4-(omegahaloalkyl)-2-py-rrolid-inone by the conventional displacement route, as with an appropriate alkali metal salt of the selected acid, e.g., a sodium alkanoate such as sodium acetate or :the like, preferably in dimethylfor-mamide sol-' vent, according to standard procedure, as indicated by Example 12, or by the direct route involving acylation of the-starting acetic acid (V1) with the appropriate acid anhydride to produce the mixed anhydride, in this case the acylate, and then continuing the reaction in the presence of suitable solvent, e.g., more of the acid anhydride, with heating to cause rearrangement thereof to the desired '4(omega-acyloxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone. In this case, referring to Chart 3, the symbols Y and Q are the same, both being the acylate radical.. The direct acylation reaction via rearrangement of the acylate of the acid (V1) is illustrated by Example 13.

A mixture of eighteen g. (0.22 mole) of sodium acetate and seventy g. (0.205 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone in 500 ml. of dimethylformamide was stirred and refluxed for fifteen hours, partitioned between 500 ml. of water and 500 ml. of chloroform, and the layers separated. The chloroform layer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo, and the residue crystallized from 85 aqueous methanol. Yield 54 g. (72%); M.P. 91-94.

Example 13.-4- (Z-acetoxyethyl) -3,3-dz'phenyl-1-is0- .propyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne A mixture of 2.50 g. (0.0077 mole) of a,a-diphenyl-a- (1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -acetic acid and twenty m1. acetic anhydride was refluxed five hours. Water (60 ml.) was then added cautiously and an oil separated which crystallized on cooling. The solid was collected and recrystallized from methanol and water (2: 1). Yield, 1.65 g. (59%); M.P. 92-945 A mixture melting point with an authentic sample was undepressed.

The 4 (omega-mercaptoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are prepared by the conventional halogen displacement reaction using an alkali metal hydrogen sulfide, in accord with the manner of Example 14.

Example 14.-3,3-diphenyl-I-isoprpyl-4-(2-mercapt0- ethyl) -2-pyrr0lidin0ne A solution of 16.2 g. (0.176 mole) of sodium hydrogen sulfide dihydrate and thirty g. (0.088 mole) of 4- (2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinohe in 400 ml. of 85% ethanol was refluxed for seven hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between chloroform and water and the chloroform layer dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled. Yield seventeen g. (57%) B.P. 220-230/0.05 mm. The distillate was crystallized from an ethanol-water mixture, M.P. 104107.

The 4 -(omega-lower-alkylmercaptoalkyl) -2-pyrrolidinones are preparable in a variety of ways. They may be prepared, for example, by alkylation of the corresponding mercaptoalkyl compound in conventional manner, as with an alkyl halide under basic conditions, as shown in Example 15. Alternatively, they may be prepared by reacting the corresponding 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2pyrrolidinone with a lower-alkyl mercaptan.

Preparation of the 4-(fi-alkylmercaptoethyl) derivatives from the 4-(fl-mercaptoethyl) derivatives by alkyl-ation with an alkyl, e.g., methyl bromide is illustrated by the following Example 15.

Example 15.3,3-diphenyl-1-ls0pr0pyl-4-(2-methylmercaptoethyl) -2-pyrr0lidin0ne A solution of 11.5 g. (0.12 mole) of methyl bromide in 200 ml. of absolute ethanol was added to a solution of twenty g. (0.059 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4-(2- mercaptoethyl) -2-pyrrolidinone in 200 ml. of absolute ethanol in which 1.5 g. (0.065 gram atom) of sodium had been dissolved. The solution was stirred at room temperature for four hours and concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between water and chloroform. The chloroform was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was crystallized from 70% ethanol. Yield g. (96%); M.P. 123l25.

' The 4-(omega-ether substituted)-2-pyrrolidinones, e.g., the lower-alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and like compounds, are prepared from the corresponding 4-haloalkyl compounds by conventional replacement of the halogen atom using an alkali metal alcoholate or an alkali metal, e.g., sodium, solution of the selected alcohol, the alcohol I 22 or alcohol moiety in either case corresponding to the group desired to appear in the omega position of the 4-alkyl group. Some representative ether formations are illustrated by Examples 16 and 17.

Example 16.3,3-diplzenyl-1-isopr0pyl-4-(fi-meth0xyethyl) -2-pyrrolidin0ne A solution of 34 g. (0.1 mole) of 4-(2-chl-oroethyl)- 3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-2pyrrolidinone in 150 ml. of absolute methanol was added to fifty ml. of absolute methanol in which 2.5 g. (0.11 gram atom) of sodium had been dissolved. The solution was heated in a closed system for sixteen hours at 140. Addition of fifty ml. of water to the resulting mixture yielded 27.5 g. (81%) of material which was recrystallized from a methanol-water mixture. M.P. 105-106".

3,3-diphenyl-1-isobutyl-4-(fi-methoxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone was prepared in the manner of Example 16 from 4 (2 chloroethy-l) 3,3 diphenyl-l-isobutyl-2-pyrrolidinone and sodium methoxide.

Example 17.3,3-diphenyl-1-isopr0pyl-4(fl-Phenoxyethyl) -2-pyrrolidin0ne Sodium phenoxide was formed by adding a solution of 8.3 g. (0.088 mole) of phenol in 100 ml. of absolute ethanol to 200 ml. of absolute ethanol in which had been dissolved two g. (0.088 gram atom) of sodium metal, and thirty g. (0.088 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl- 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone in 100 ml. of absolute ethanol was added. The resulting solution was refluxed for seven hours and concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between water and chloroform. The chloroform layer was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo and the residue crystallized from an ethanol-water mixture. Yield 17 g. (48.5%); M.P. 104406".

3,3-diphenyl 1 isopropyl-4-[B-(o-methoxyphenoxy)- ethyl] -2-pyrrolidinone was prepared in the manner of Example 17 from 4-(fl-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone and the sodium salt of guaiacol, and the 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4-*(,G-benzyloxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone is prepared in identical manner from 4-(B-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and sodium benzyloxide.

The 4-alkyl derivatives, that is, those compounds in which the omega substituent is hydrogen, are prepared by reducing the corresponding 4-omeg-a-haloalkyl compound using a metal-acid combination according to the following example, indicating a further use of some of the compounds of the present invention.

Example 18.3,3-diphenyl-4-ethyl-1-is0propyl-2- pyrrolidz'none A solution of 25 g. (0.073 mole) of 4-(2chloroethy1)- 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone, 25 g. of potassium bromide and sixty ml. of 48% hydrobromic acid in 250 ml. of acetic acid was stirred and refluxed for two hours followed by addition of sixty g. of zinc dust in small portions. Another sixty ml. of 48% hydrobromic acid was added dropwise over a two-hour period to the refluxing solution and it was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between chloroform and dilute sodium hydroxide. The chloroform layer was separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated, and the residue was crystallized from aqueous ethanol. Yield nine g. (40%); M.P. -97".

3,3-diphenyl-4-ethyl-l-isobutyl 2 pyrrolidinone, M.P. 94-965", was prepared in the manner of Example 18 from the corresponding 4-(fi-chloroethyl) compound.

In the manner of the preceding discussion and particularly in accord with Example 11, or by direct hydrolysis of the corresponding 4-omega-haloalkyl-2-pyrrolidinone 215 26 4- B-mercaptoethyl) -3, 3 -diphenyl-1-cyclohexyl) -2- 4- (A-acetoxy-2'-butyl) -3 ,3-diphenyll-is opropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone pyrrolidinone 4-(fl-benzyloxyethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-benzy1-2- 4-('y-Ineth0xybutyl) -3,3diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone pyrrolidinone 4-[18- (m-chlorophenoxy)-ethyl]r3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1- 4-('y-acetoxy-[i-methylpropyl) 3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z- benzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 5 py 4(f-prP(1)i)z1ethyD'3'pheny1'3(2 pyndyl)'1'1sobutyl' While the foregoing products are representative 4-(ome- 'Pyrro none ga-substituted alkyl-2-pyrrolidinone compounds, produced fi- 9 y 1- by varying the halogen replacement reagent conventionalz'pyrrohdlnone 1O ly but in accord with Examples 12 through 17, numerous 4-(fi-ethylmercaptoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-( -PY YD' others may be prepared in the same manner and will be y 'py apparent to one skilled in the art. -[B-( Y P Y)- y l -P Y -Py Y The physical constants of some representative 4-(omel-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone ga-substituted alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, wherein the omega 4-(B-valeroxyethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1-ethyl-2- 15 substituent is attached through an oxygen or sulfur atom,

pyrrolidinone are shown in Table III.

Table III 4-(OMEGA-SUBSTITUTED ALKYL)-2-PYRROLIDINONES 1 R RI! A- (CHR)HOHROHRB Analysis M.P. R R A B n (12.5.), C H N Misc Calcd. Calcd. Calcd. Calcd Found Found Found Found i-C H CqH CnH5 OCC H3 0 91-4 75. 58 7. 45 3. 83 75. 75 7. 32 3. 90 i-CsHq CaH5- CsH5 SH 0 104-7 74. 29 7. 42 4. 13 74. 54 7. 54 4. 23 l-C3H C 115 C0115 SCH3 0 123-5 74. 74 7. 7O 3. 96 74. 87 7. 91 4.

i-CLHB 05115...." 06115 0-0113 0 86. 7 78.59 8.32 3. 99 78. 58 8. 21 4. 04 i-C3H1 C5H5 C6115 0-CH3 0 105-6 78. 3O 8. 07 4. 15 78. 10 7. 9O 4. l7 i-(hH, CnH'x Gin! O-CJT: 0 104-6 81. 17 7. 32 3. 51 81. 32 7. 40 3. 53 i-CsH7 06115.-.-" CaHa OH 0 180-2 77. 98 7. 79 4. 33 78. 7. 90 4. 32 iC1H7 CRHK 0m. OH 1 142-143 78. 8. 07 4. 15 78. 24 8. 03 4. 20

i-CsH1 C6H5------ 0 6---- 0 0 1354 78. 29 7.28 3. 26

CHaO

1 B equals other than halogen or amino; attached through oxygen or sulfur at omega position; R" equals hydrogen.

4- fi-phenoxyethyl 3 -phenyl-3 -(2-pyridyl)-1-methyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- fl-butylmercaptoethyl) -3- (p-methoxyphenyl) -3- (2- pyridyl) -1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- (fi-ethylmercaptoethyl -3- (p-methoxyphenyl) -3- (2- pyridyl) -1-ethyl-2-pyrro1idinone 4- 3- (p-methylphenoxy) -ethyl] -3- (p-methoxyphenyl) -3 (2-pyridyl)-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- fi-b enzyloxyethyl) -3 -isopropyl-3-phenyl-1-ethy1-2- The 4-(ornega-cyanoalkyl)-2-pyrro1idinones are prepared in conventional manner by reaction of the selected 4-haloalkyl-2-pyrrolid-inone with an alkali metal cyanide, e.-g., sodium cyanide, usually by heating the reactants together in a suitable organic solvent, preferably dirnethylformamide or the like. This procedure can be applied equally well to the 4-(B-haloalkyl) compounds and the 4- haloalkyl) compounds, in each case to introduce the cyano group in place of the halogen atom, and thus to Pyrmh'dinone extend the 4-alky1 carbon chain. A representative emgifgfigigggg ample of this procedure is given in Example 19. 4-(fl-mercaptoethyl)-3-methyl-3-phenyl-1-isopropyl-2- Example 19.3,3-diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne-4- pyrrolidinone propionitrile 4- fi-butylmerc aptoethyl) -3 -cyolopentyl-3-phenyl- 1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone V 4-(fi-benzyloxyethyl)-3-cyclohexy1-3-phenyl-1-isopropy1- 2-pyrrolidinone and recrysta-llized from isopropanol.

stirred and heated to a temperature of 100 over a onehour period, and this temperature was maintained for an additional three hours. The mixture was poured into ice water and the precipitated whitecrystalline solid filtered Yield, 288 g. (87%); M.P. 150-151.

The 4-(omega-carboxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are prepared .by conventional acid hydrolysis of the corresponding.4-(omcga-cyanoalkyl)-2-pyrro1idinones, employing a concentrated mineral acid reagent in the same manner as previously given for hydrolysis of the nitrile (IV) to the acid (VI). A reaction period of 24 hours and a temperature not in excess of 100 degrees is usually adequate. The following Example 20 indicates the hydrolysis procedure employed.

Example 20.-3,3-diphe'nyl-1-is0pr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidinone- 4-pr0pionic acid A mixture of 94 g. (0.28 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone-4-propionitrile and 500 ml. of

70% sulfuric acid was stirred and heated at 80-90" for acid, cation exchange resins, or an aromatic sulfonic acid such as benzene or p-toluene sulfonic acid, preferably with removal of either the ester product or water of reaction it optimum yields are desired. Alternatively, the acid may be reacted with a diaz-oalkane, e.g., diazomethane, in excellent yield, or an alkyl halide may be reacted with an alkali metal salt of the acid, in usual manner. Alternatively, the acid may first be converted to an acid halide as by treatment with thionyl chloride or bromide, phosphorus trichloride or tribromide, or the like, in the accepted manner for such type reactions, and the acid chloride then reacted with a selected valkanol or phenol or alkali metal salts thereof to give high yields of the desired i ester. Example 21 is representative of the preparation of an acid halide of a 4-(omega-carboxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, and Example 22 is indicative of the esterification of a 4-(omega-carboxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone to produce a 4-(omega-carbalkoxyalkyl)2pyrrolidinone.

Example 21 .3,3diphenyl-1isopr0pyl-2-pyrrolidin0ne-4- propionyl chloride A suspension of 144 g. (0.41 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone-4-p-ropionic acid in 500 ml. of dry benzene was treated at -25 dropwise with stirring with 97.5 grams (0.82 mole) of thionyl chloride. The resulting solution was refluxed for one hour and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized from benzene. M.P. 141.5l43.5.'

Example 22.-Ethyl 3,3-diphenyl-1 -1's0pnopyl-2-pyrrolidinoI1e-4-pi'0pi0nate To 200 ml. of dry ethanol was added 2.05 g. (0.09 mole) oi sodium. When solution was complete thirty g. (0.08 mole) of 3,3diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone- 4-pr-opionyl chloride in 300 ml. of dry ethanol was; added rapidly (the ethanolic sodium ethoxide was hot when the acid chloride was added'but the resulting reaction appeared not to be exothermic). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and filtered." The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was partitioned between 250 ml. of chloroform and 250 m1. of water. The chloroform solution wasv dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was crystallized from ethanol. Yield, 23 g. M.P. 84-85. Recrystallized from 70% methanol; M39. 84-85 C.

Analysis.Calcd for C H NO C, 75.96; H, 7.70; N, 3.69. Found: C. 76.14; H, 7.85; N, 3.79.

The 4-(omega-carbamylalkyl) 2 pyrrolidinones are prepared by reaction of ammonia or an amine with a 4-(omega-carbalkoxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone or the acid halide of a 4-(omegaecarboxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, preferably the latter. The reaction is usually conducted using cold concentrated ammonium hydroxide to produce the primary amide, and using a primary or secondary amine in hydrocarbon, e.g., benzene, solvent at a temperature between room temperature and the reflux ternperature of the solvent involved, usually 20-80 centigrade, to produce the primary or secondary amine-containing carbarnyl radicals, such as N-phenylor N- (loweralkyl)-carbamyl and N,Ndi-(lower alkyl)-carbamyl, as well as N,N-(monocyclic alkyl or saturated heterocyclic)- carbamido radicals, wherein the saturated monocyclic heterocyclic radical is as set forth hereinbefore under the definition of amino. Representative of the preparation of various types of 4-(omega-carbamylalkyl)-2- pyrrolidinones are Examples 23, 24, and 25, which immediately follow.

Example 23.-3,3 diphenyl-l-isopfopyl-Z-pyrrolidin0ne- 4-propionamide 3,3 diphenyl 1 isopropyl 2 pyrrolidinone 4 propionyl chloride 54 g. (0.146 mole), was added in small portions to cold, concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution. The mixture was stirred vigorously during the addition and for an additional half hour and the resulting solid was filtered, washed with water and crystallized from a chloroform-ligroin mixture. Yield, 46 g. MP. 203.5-20S.

Example 24.3,3 diphenyl-I-isopr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne- 4-(N-methylpropionamide) A solution of 7.75 g. (0.25 mole) of methylamine in ml. of benzene was added dropwise with stirring to a suspension of 25 vg. (0.068 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-lisopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone-4-propionyl chloride in benzene. After addition, the preparation was brought slowly to reflux and reflux continued for one hour. Thesolvent was evaporated and the residue crystallized from methanol. Yield, 84%; MP. -171".

Example 25 .-3,3 dipheny1-1-is0propyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne- 4-(N,N-dimethylpropionamide) 3,3 diphenyl 1 isopropyl 2 pyrrolidinone 4- (N,N-dimethylpropionamide) was preparedin the manner of Example 24 from 3,S-diphenyl-1-isoprcpyl-2-pyrrolidinone-4-propionylchloride and dimethylamine, M.P.

The 4-(omega-acylalkyl)-pyrrolidinoncs are prepared from the corresponding 4-(omega-chlorocarbonylalkyl) compounds by reaction with dialkyl cadmium reagents or from the corresponding 4-(omega-cyanoalkyl) compounds by reaction with a Grignard reagent RMgX, according to conventional procedure for such type reactions. The following example illustrates the preparation of the 4 (omega-acylalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones.

29' Example 26 .3,3 diphenyl-I-ispropyl-4-(fl-propionylethyl) 2 pyrrolidinone [3,3 dipherzyl 1 isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone-4- (3 '-penran0ne) A Grignard reagent was prepared from 10.9 grams (0.1 mole) of ethyl bromide and 2.4 grams (0.1 mole) of magnesium in 100 milliliters of dry ethyl ether. The reagent was cooled and ten grams (0.055 mole) of cadmium chloride was added and the resulting mixture was refluxed for one hour. The ether was removed by distillation and 200 milliliters of dry toluene was added and this mixture was heated at ninety degrees from thirty minutes, then cooled to sixty degrees, and thirty grams (0.081 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone- 4-propionyl chloride in 150 milliliters of dry toluene was added in a dropwise fashion. The resulting mixture was stirred at 85 degrees for two hours, then cooled and hy-.

drolyzed with water and six normal hydrochloric acid. The toluene layer was separated, washed with dilute sodium hydroxide, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled at reduced pressure. Yield, eight grams; B.P. 220250/ 0.2 mm. The material was crystallized several times from 60% aqueous ethanol and melted 120-1225 Analysis. Calcd for C H NO C, 79.30; H, 8.04; N, 3.85. Found: C, 79.47; H, 8.07; N, 4.06.

It will be obvious that, in the event it is desired that the carbon chain at the 4 position of the pyrrolidinone nucleus be greater than two carbon atoms, this is conveniently accomplished by starting with the appropriate two carbon atom side-chain omega-haloalkyl compound and preparing the omega-nitrile in accord with the foregoing disclosure and in particular accord with Example.

19. This nitrile may then be converted to the acid, also as shown in the foregoing and particularly in accord with Example 20, which in turn may be converted to the acid halide, as previously discussed and particularly in accord with Example 21, or converted to an ester as fully described hereinbefore and particularly illustrated by Example 22. Either the acid halide, e.g., chloride, or the ester may be converted to the corresponding omega-hydroxyalkyl compound by reduction, the ester with sodium and alcohol, or the acid halide with sodium borohydride,

in accord with conventional procedure, as respectively illustrated by Examples 27 and 28. The 4-(omega-hydroxyalkyl) compound is then reacted with a suitable halogenating agent, e.g., thionyl chloride, phosphorus trichloride, the corresponding bromo reagents, or the like,

to replace the hydroxy group by a halogen atom and pro-' duce the corresponding omega-haloalkyl compound in accord with Example 29. This in turn may be reacted with an alkali metal cyanide to again produce the nitrile in accord with Examples 19 and 30, in each case having a side-chain containing one carbon atom more than the starting 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone with which the reaction sequence originates. Examples 27, 28, 29 and 30 follow.

Example 27.3,3 diphenyl-4-('y-hydroxypropylyl-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone To a boiling solution of five g. (0.013 mole) of ethyl 3,3 diphenyl 1 isopropyl 2 pyrrolidinone 4 propionate in fifty ml. of absolute ethanol was added as rapidly as possible two g. (0.087 mole) of sodium. The reaction of the sodium with the alcohol was completed by heating to reflux. The unreacted ester was hydrolyzed by adding thirty ml. of water and refluxing one hour. The solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator and the residue partitioned between 100 ml. of water and 100 ml. of chloroform. The chloroform solution was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated and the residue crystallized. Yield, 1.6 g. (36%); M.P. after recrystallization from 50% ethanol 140-1415 30 Analysis.Calcd for C I-1 N0 2 C, 78.30; H, 8.07; N, 4.15. Found: C, 78.24; H, 8.03; N, 4.20.

Example 28.3,3 dipltenyl-4-(gamma-hydroxypropyl) 1-is0pr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidinone To a suspension of ten g. of sodium borohydride in ml. of dry dioxane was added rapidly and with stirring 25 g. (0.0675 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone-4-propionyl chloride in 200 ml. of dry dioxan. The mixture was stirred at reflux for four hours, cooled to room temperature and 100 ml. of water added carefully. The mixture was partitioned between 500 ml. of water and 300 m1. of chloroform. The water layer was extracted with another 300 ml. of chloroform; the chloroform solution combined, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentratedon the rotary evaporator. The residue was crystallized from 70% ethanol and recrystallized twice from isopropyl ether. Yield, ten g. (4.4% M.P. 142143. A mixed melting point with a sample from the previous example gave no depression.

Example 29.4-(gamma-chloropropyl )-3,3-diphenyl-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrr0lidinone A solution of 7.4 g. (0.062 mole) of thionyl chloride in fifty ml. of chloroform was added dropwise to a solution of 10.5 g. (0.031 mole) of 3,3-dipheny1-4-(gamma-hydroxypropyl)-1-isopropyl 2 pyrrolidinone and 4.9 g. (0.062 mole) of pyridine in 100 ml. of chloroform with stirring and ice bath cooling. When addition was come Example 30.'3,3-diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne-4- butyronitrile. [4-(3-cyan0pr0pyl) 3,3-diphenyl 1 isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone] A mixture of 3.9 grams (0.08 mole) of sodium cyanide, 9.2 grams (0.026 mole) of 4-(3-chloropropyl) -3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and 100 milliliters of dimethyl formamide was stirred at reflux for seventeen hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized twice from isopropyl alcohol. Yield, five grams (55%); M.P. 107-108. A constant melting point of 126-127" was obtained after several additional crystallizations.

Analysis.-Calcd for C H N O: C, 79.73; H, 7.57; N, 8.09. Found: C, 79.53; H, 7.38; N, 7.95.

The resulting 4-(gamma-halopropyl)-2-pyrrolidinones and 4-(A-halobutyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are reacted with the same reagents as shown in Examples 12 and 14 through 17 to produce the corresponding 4-(gamma-substitutedpropyl)-2-pyrrolidinones and 4-(A-substituted-butyl) 2.- pyrrolidinones. Moreover, the 4-(gamma-cyanopropyl)- 2-pyrrolidinones are additionally converted to further corresponding 4- (gamma-carboxypropyl) -2-pyrrolidinones, 4- (gamma-carbalkoxypropyl) -2-pyrrolidinones, 4-(gammacarbamylpropyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, and 4-(gamma-alkanoylpropyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, as already fully discussed hereinbefore and illustrated by Examples 20 through 26.

Compounds produced in this manner, for example, are included in the following.

In the manner of the preceding Examples 19 through 26, starting with the appropriate nitrile, which is itself prepared by reaction of alkali metal cyanide with the corresponding 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, the following compounds are prepared, the nitriles, acids, acid M 1.. halides, acid esters, and acid amides being prepared from the starting materials indicated:

4-( B-carhoxyethyi') -3-ai1yl-3-phenyli-isopropyl-Z- pyrrrolidin one from the corresponding B- cyanoethyl compound by acid hydrolysis.

4- (,B-carbomethoxyethyl) -3,3dicyciohexy1-l-allyl-g;

pyrrolidinone from the corresponding [B-carooxyethyl compound by acid esterification with methanol.

4-(f3-carbethoxyethyl)-3,3-dimethy1-1-pheny1-2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding pE-carboxyethyi compound by acid esterification with ethanol.

4- B-carbobenzoxyethyl -3 -benZy1-3 -pheny1-1-isopropy1- Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-carboxyethyl compound .by acid esterification with benzyl alcohol.

4- ,B-chlorocarbonylethyl -3-pheny1-3-( 1-isopropy1-3- pyrrolidyl)-1-is0propy1 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-carboxyethyl compound and thionyl chloride- I 4-(B-carboisopropoxyethyl)-3-pheny1-3-(2- or 3-thienyl)- 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 18- chlorocarbonylethyl compound and sodium isopropoxide.

4-(fl-carbamylethy1)-3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3-theny1)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyi compound and ammonia.

4- (B-N-methylcarb amylethyl )-3 phenyl-Z- (p-methoxyphenyl)-1-isopropy1-2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding B-chlorocar-bonylethyl compound and methylamine.

4- (,B-N;N-dimethy1carbamylethyl -3 -pheny1-3 mch1oropheny1)-1-isopropy1-2-pyrro]idinone from the corresponding ,B-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4- (,B-N benzy1carbamy1ethy1) -3 -pheny1'-.3-(o-methy1- phenyl)'-1-isopropy1-2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and benzylamine.

4- ,B-carb-pentamethyleneimidoethyl -3-methy1-3-cyc1opentyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chlorocarbonyiethyl compound and piperidine.

4- fi-cyan-opropyl -3,3-dipheny1- l-isopropy1-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloropropyl compound and sodium cyanide.

4- ,o-carb-hexarnethylcneimidopropyl) -3,3-dipheny1-1- isopropy1-2-pyrrolidin-one from the corresponding ,8- chlorocarbonylpropyl compound and hexamethyleneimine.

4- 18-carb-tetramethyleneimidoethyl) -4-rnethyl-3 3-dipheny1-1-isopropy1-2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding 6-chlorocarhonylethyl compound and pyrrolidine.

4-(fi-cyanoethy1)-5-rnethyl-3,3-dipheny1-l-isopropyI-Z- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-bromoethyl compound and sodium cyanide.

4- gamma-cyanopropyl )-3-pheny1-3-( 2'-piperidy1) -1- I methy1-2-pyrroiidinone from the corresponding gammachloropropyl compound and sodium cyanide.

4- gamma-morpholinocarbonylpropyl -3-pheny1-3- [4'- (N-methylpiperidyl) ]-1-isopropy1-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding gamma-chlorocarbonylpropyl compound and morpholine.

4- (B-N' methylpiperazinocarbonylethyl -3, 3-diphenyl-1- methy1-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlon ocarbonylethyl compound and N-methylpiperazine.

4- fl-acetylethyl -3,3 -dipheny1-1 ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone fromthe corresponding fl-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethyl cadmium.

4 -('y-propiony1-2'-propy1)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 'y-chlorocarbonyh 2propyl compound and diethyl cadmium.

4-(;8-benzoy1ethyl) -3,3-dipheny1- l-isobutyi-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-cyanocthyl compound and phenyl magnesium bromide.

4-(B-pheny1acetylethyl -3,3-diphenyl-1-cycioheXy1-2- pyrroiidinone from the corresponding B-chiorocaroonyiethyl compound and dioenzyl cadmium.

4-(B-butyry1ethyl -3, 3-dipheny1ei-henzy1-2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding B-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dipropyl cadmium.

4-(fl-carboxyethy1) -3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl -1-benzy1-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-cyanoethyl compound by acid hydrolysis.

4- (obromocarbonylethyl) -3-pheny1-3- (Z-pyridyl) -1-isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-carboxyethyl compound and phosphorus tribrornide.

4-- B-carbethoxyethyl -3-pheny1-3- Z-pyridyi) l-cyciohexyi-2-pyrroiidinone from the corresponding it-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and sodium ethoxide.

4- (,3-carbutoxyethy1)i-3-pheny1-3- (Z-pyridyi l-n-butyi- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chlorocarbonyiethyl compound and sodium butoxide.

4-(5 N,N dimethylcarbamylethyl)-3-pheny1-3-(2-pyridyi)-1-isopropyl-2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding ,B-chiorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylarnine.

4-(fi-carbamyiethy1) 3 phenyl-3-(2-pyridy1)-1-ethy1-2- pyrroiidinone from the corresponding ,S-chiorocarbon yl-ethyl compound and ammonia.

4-(;3-carboisopropoxyethy1) 3 phenyI-Z-(Z-pyridyD-lmethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding l3-chio rocarbonylethyi compound and sodium isopropoxide.

4-(f2carooisobutoxyethyl) 3 (p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(Z- pyridyl)-1-methyl-2-pyrroiidinone from the correspond ing fi-chiorocarbonylethyl compound and sodium isobutoxide.

4-(fi-N,N dimethylcarbamyiethyl) 3 (p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridy1)-1ethy1-2-pyrroiidinone from the corresponding o-chiorocarhonyiethyi compound and dimethyiamine.

4(/8 N,N dimethylcarhamyiethyl)-3-(p-rnethoxypheny1)-3-(2-pyridy1)-1-isopropy1-Z-pyrroiidinone from the corresponding p-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and di methylamine.

4-(fi-N,N-dimethyicarbamyiethyi) 3-isopropy1-'3phenyll-ethyl-Z-pyrroiidinone from the corresponding B-chiorocarbonylethyi compound and dimethyiamine.

4-(fi- I,N-dimethylcarbamylethyl) 1,3 di-isopropyl-S- phenyl-Z-pyrroiidinone from the corresponding -ch1orocarbonylethyl compound and dimethyiamine.

4- B-N,N dimethyicarbamyiethyi -3-methyi-3-phenyi 1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 5- chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethyiarnine.

4- ,8-N,N dimethylcarb amyiethyl)-3-cyc1opentyl-3-phenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonyiethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4( 8N,N dimethylcarbamyiethyi)-3-cyc1ohe:ryi-3-phenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamirie.

4-(A-cyano 2-butyl)-3,3-diphenyi-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrroiidinone frornthe corresponding chioro compound and sodium cyanide.

4-(gamma-cyanohutyi)-3,3-diphenyl 1 isopropyi-Zpyr- Ioiidinone from the corresponding chloro compound 1 and sodium cyanide.

4- (gamma-cyanofi-methyipropy1) 3,3-diphenyi-1isopropyl-Z-pyrroiidinone from the corresponding chloro compound and sodium cyanide.

The physical constants of some representative 4-(omegasubstituted aiky1)-2-pyrrolidinones, wherein the omega substituent is attached-through a carbon atom, are shown in Table IV.

'vent in some cases.

Table IV R RI! A- -(oHR")nHR"oHR"B I! E ii! Analysis M.P. R R A B n 13.5. o H N Calcd. Calcd. Calcd. Found Found Found 1-05111 cm. can ON 0 150.5-151 42 ..2 i-C3H7 C5115 C5115 COOH 0 175-176 fi /CHs 103111 can, C0H5 C-N 0 149-150 76.15 7.99 75.99 7.89

CH3 l-C3H7 C5H5 09H; -c C-NHs 0 203.5-205 75.40 7.48 75.55 7.68 l-C3H7 can, c5115.--- YC-NCH5 0 170-171 75.70 7.74 75.66 7.82 i i-C3H7 c nsus--- C ll C-N 0 144-145 77.74 8.39

ll i-oun 05mm. can, o-N 0 179.6-180 77.19 77. i 1-0311: own cum oo c 0 84-85 75.95 7.70 3.59 75.14 7.85 3.79

1-0511: our om ON 1 126427 79.73 7.57 8.09 79.53 7.38 7.95

B=other than amino; attached through carbon at. omega position; R equals hydrogen.

The 4-(omega-aminoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone compounds are generally prepared by heating a solution of the selected 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone and the selected amine in a suitable reaction solvent, e.g., ethanol, a higher boiling alcohol such'as butanol, a hydrocarbon solvent such as toluene, or the amine itself may be the sol- A reaction temperature from about room temperature to about 120 C. is employed, preferably 100 to 120 C.,' and a reaction period of about eight to twenty-four hours is usually adequate. Higher reaction temperatures increase the speed of reaction but tend to increase the incidence of undesired side reactions, while temperatures below 100 C. frequently require undesirably lengthy reaction periods. Pressure to the extent generated in a sealed system is frequently employed to facilitate the reaction. The amine is usually employed in excess, at least two molar equivalents of the amine being preferred per each molar equivalent of starting halogen Compound. The resulting solution of the amine reaction product is concentrated, as in vacuo, and the amine product isolated, usually as the crystalline hydrohalide salt corresponding to the omega-halogen in the starting omega-haloalkyl compound. In most cases the hydrohalide salt, e.g., the hydrochloride, crystallizes as the hydrate. In cases where a crystalline salt is difficult or impossible to obtain, the free basic amine itself may be distilled and crystallized from a solvent or solvent mixture or alternatively isolated as an oil by fractional distillation. Extraction of the reaction product with a suitable solvent, e.g., ether, benzene, toluene, or ethyl acetate, frequently assists in recovering all of the available product for isolation by crystallization or the like and concentrated acid, e.g., two Normal HCl, or anhydrous ketones, e.g., methyl ethyl ketone, are frequently of value as the solvent or medium from which crystallization or recrystallization is eflected. Where the free base is desired, this may be obtained conventionally by neutralizing the reaction product or a solution of the isolated salt with a base such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, or other suitable alkaline material, extracting the liberated base with a suitable solvent such as ethyl acetate or benzene, drying the extract and evaporating to dryness in vacuo or fraction-ally distilling, or in other conventional manner. Numerous acid addition as well as quaternary ammonium (onium) salts maybe prepared from the free bases, either isolated or without isolation from the reaction product, as already indicated in the foregoing. The amine preparation is illustrated by the following specific examples.

Example 31.4-(Z-dimethylaminoetlzyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1- ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride monohydrate A solutionof forty g. (0.122 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone and eleven g. (0.244 mole) of dimethylamine in 250 ml. of absolute ethanol was heated for sixteen hours at 100 in a sealed system and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The acid extract was made basic with sodium hydroxide and again extracted with ethyl acetate. This ethyl acetate extract was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in dry methyl ethyl ketone and acidified with dry hydrogen chloride, which caused precipitation of the product. Yield 32 g. (67% M.P. l62166.

Drying at 125 produced the anhydrous salt'which, on standing at room temperature for one-half hour, reabsorbed its water of hydration. V

4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1isobutyl 2 pyrrolidinone hydrochloride, 1-benzyl-4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 2-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride monohydrate, 3,3-diphenyl-1-ethyl-4-(Z-pyrrolidinoethyD- Z-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride monohydrate, 3,3-diphenyll-isopropyll-(Z-methylaminoethyl) 2-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride, 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4- [2 (4-methyl-1-piperazino)-ethyl] 2-pyrrolidinone dihydrochloride dihydrate, 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4-[2 (4-phenyl-l-piperazino) ethyl]-2-pyrrolidinone monohydrochloride dihydrate, 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4-(2-morpholinoethyl)-2- pyrrolidinone hydrochloride vmonohydrate, 4-[2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholino) ethyl] 3,3 diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone maleate, and 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4-[2- (4 carbomethoxy-l-piperazino) -ethyl] 2-pyrrolidinone monohydrochloride dihydrate, were prepared in the manner of Example 31 from 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-lisobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and dimethylamine, 1-henzyl-4- (Z-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-2 pyrrolidinone and dimethylamine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyll-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and pyrrolidine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1- isopropyl-Z-iayrrolidinone and methylamine, 4-(2-chloro- 36, product formed and was recrystallized from two normal hydrochloric acid. Yieldten g.; M.P. 217-219". Total yield 23 g. (70%).

Example 33.-4- (Z-di-n-butlyaminoetlzfl) -3,3-diphenyl-1- etlzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone chloroform extract was concentrated in vacuo and the ethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-2-pyrro1idinone and N- methylpiperazine, 4-(2-chloroethyl) -3,3-diphenyll-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and N-phenylpiperazine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,S-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and morpholine, and .4-(2-chloroethy1)3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone and 2,6-dimethylmorpholine, and .4(2-chlo-.

roethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and N- carbomethoxypiperazine, respectively.

The following are additional examples of the above method:

Example 32 .-3,3-diphenyl-1-ethyl-4-(2-morph0linoethyl)-2-pyrr0lidinorre hydrochloride monohydrate I A solution of 25 g. (0.076 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)- 3,3-diphenyl-1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone and 13.3 g. (0.153 mole) of morpholine in 500 ml. of absolute ethanol was heated at 95120 for 21 hours in a closed system and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 300 ml. of two normal hydrochloric acid and extracted with 150 ml. of ethyl acetate. A solid crystallized (13 g.) during the extraction and was removed by filtration. M.P. 217- 219. The acid extracts were made basic with sodium hydroxide and extracted with ether, and the ether solution was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was suspended insix normal hydrochloric acid. Additional crystalline residue was distilled. Yield 14.7 g. (45%); BR 205- 2l0/0.05 mm.

3,3-diphenyl 1-ethyl-4-(Z-piperidinoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone and 3-cyclopentyl 4-(Z-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-isopropyl-3phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone were prepared in the manner of Example 33 from 4-(2-chloroethyl)3,3-diphenyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and piperidine, and from 4-(2- chloroethyl)-3-cyclopentyl 1 isopropyl-3-phenyl-2-pyr rolidinone and dimethylamine respectively.

The amino substituent in theabove compounds may be quaternized to form the quaternary ammonium (onium) salt as illustrated by the, following example.

Example 34.-4- (2-dimethylaminoethyl) -3,3-diphenyl-1- isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone methobromide Ten grams (0.025 mole) of 4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) 3,3-diphenyl-1-isobutylJ-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride was partitioned between chloroform and dilute ammonium hydroxide. The chloroform layer was concentrated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in dry methyl ethyl ketone, and the resulting solution was heated to reflux. A solution of 4.75 g. (0.05.mole) of methyl bromide in methyl ethyl ketone was added to the hot solution and, on cooling, 11.5 g. of crystalline material precipitated- M.P. 214-216". After recrystallization from methyl ethyl ketone, the melting 'point was 218-219".

Among additional amines, which are preparable in accord with the foregoing procedures, are the following:

3-cyclopentyl-1-isopropyl 4 (2 morpholinoethyl)-3- phenyl-Z-pyrrolidinone maleate, 4-(diethylaminoethyl)-3, 3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone .fumarate, 4-(2-dimethylarninoethyl) 1,3-di-isopropyl-3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride, 3,3 diphenyl-4-(2 hexamethyleneiminoethyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone furnarate, and 4- [2-(3,5-dimethylmorpholino) ethyl] 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone maleate were prepared in the manner of Example 31 from 4-(Z-chloroethyl)-3-cyclopentyl- 1-isopropyl3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone and morpholine, 4- (2-chloroethyl) 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and diethylarnine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-1,3-di-isopropyl-3- pheny1-2-pyrr0lidinone and dimethylamine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and hexarnethyleneimine, and 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-iso propy1-2-pyrrolidinone and .3,5-dimethylmorpholine, respectively. The 4-(omega-aminoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone compounds wherein the amino substituent is primary are prepared by reacting, the selected starting 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone and an excess of ammonia according to the classic Hofmann procedure, either under pressure or at a sufiiciently low temperature to, provide the ammonia in liquid form, and subsequent treatment with alkali to minimize formation of secondary and tertiary amine salts. Alternatively, the primary amines can be formed by reduction of the corresponding nitrile, as with sodium and alcohol, or by the alkaline hydrolysis of the corresponding phthalirnide according to the classic Gabriel synthesis.

Example 35 .-4-(gamrha-aminopropyl 3,3-diphenyl-1 isopropyI-Z-pyrrolidinone fumarate A mixture of 25 g. (.075 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone-4-propionitrile and two teaspoonfuls of activated Raney nickel in 300 ml. of absolute ethanol was shaken in a hydrogen atmosphere for 54 hours during which time 3100 ml. of hydrogen was absorbed. The mixture was filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was distilled at reduced pressure. Yield, 13 g.; B.P. 210-215/0.2 mm. The distillate together with five g. of fumaric acid was dissolved in 100 ml. of ethanol, and the solvent was removed on the steam bath. The residue was dissolved in 400 ml. of hot water, treated with activated charcoal and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to about 200 ml. The resulting precitate was recrystallized from 200 ml. of water. vYield 6.5 g. (19% based on starting nitrile); M.P. 149-152 C.

Analysis.Calcd for C H N O C, 69.00; H, 7.13; N, 6.18. Found: C, 69.08; H, 7.24; N, 6.19.

Other examples of the preparation of 4-(omega-morpholinoalkyl) compounds are as follows:

Example 36.4-[2-(3,5-dimethylmorpholin0)-ethyl]-3,3- diphenyl-I-ispr0pyl2-pyrrolidin0ne maleate A solution of 30 g. (0.088 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)- 3,3-dipheny1-1isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and 22 g. (0.176 mole) of 3,5-dimethylmorpholine in 400 ml. of 95% ethanol was heated in a steel bomb for seventy-two hours at 140-150". The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was partitioned betweendilute hydrochloric acid and toluene. The aqueous layer together with an oil layer which formed was extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extract was washed with dilute sodium hydroxide and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled at reduced pressure. B.P. 225-22j8/ 0.3 mm.

The base was converted to the maleate salt by treating an ethanol-ethyl ether solution with maleic acid. The resulting salt was recrystallized from an ethanol-ethyl ether mixture. Yield, 18 grams (49%); M.P. 149-150".

N, 522. Found: C, 69.40; H, 7.46; N, 5.24.

The fumarate salt was prepared in the same manner as the maleate salt. M.P. 200-203".

Analysis.-Calcd for C H N O C, 69.38; H, 7.51; N, 5.22. Found: C, 69.19; H, 7.32; N, 5.01.

Example 37.-4- [2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholino)-ethyl]- 3,3-diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyI-Z-pyrrolidinone maleate A solution of thirty g. (0.088 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethy1)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and 22 g. (0.176 mole) of 2,6-dimethylmorpholine in 300 ml. of absolute ethanol was heated in a steel bomb for sixteen hours at .120-140. The solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in 200 ml. of chloroform and the resulting solution was washed with one normal bydrochloric acid and dilute sodium hydroxide, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled at reduced pressure. Yield, 26 g.; B.P. 210-215 /0.05 mm. The base was converted to the maleate salt by treating an absolute ethanol solution with maleic acid and precipitating the resulting salt with dry ethyl ether. The salt was recrystallized from an ethanol-ether mixture. Yield, 28 g. (60%); MI. 177-178".

Analysis.-Calcd for C l-1 N 0 C, 69.38; H, 7.51; N, .22. Found: C, 69.29; H, 7.62; N, 5.22.

In the manner of the preceding discussion and particularly in accord with Examples 31 through 35, starting with the appropriate nitrile and reducing the same either catalytically or with sodium and alcohol, or starting with the corresponding 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone and the selected amine, or starting with the appropriate primary or secondary amine and the selected alkyl halide,

the following 4-(omega-aminoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are produced:

4- fi-diethylaminoethyl) -3 -a1lyl-3 -phenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and diethylamine 4-(fl-dimethylaminoethyl)-3,3-dicyclohexy1-l-allyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- ,9- (N-methylpiperazino) -ethyl -3 ,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and N-methylpiperazine 4- ,B-piperidinoethyl) -3-b enzy1-3-pheny1- 1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and piperidine 4- (B-pyrrolidinoethyl)-3-phenyl-3- 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and pyrrolidine 4-[,8-(2',6dimethylpiperidino)-ethyl]-3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3-thienyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and 2,6-dimethylpiperidine 4-[,B-(3"-methylpiperidino)-ethyl]-3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3- thenyl)-1isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and 3,-methylpiperidine 4- fl-dimethylaminoethyl) -3-phenyl-3- (p-methoxyphenyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- ,B-dirnethylaminoethyl) -3 -phenyl-3 (m-chlorophenyl) 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine' 4- (fi-dimethylaminoethyl -3 -phenyl-3 (o-methylphenyl 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(fi-dimethylaminoethyl)-3-methyl-3-cyc1opentyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(fl-dimethylaminopropyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloropropyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(fi-pyrrolidinopropyl)-3,3-diphenyl1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloropropyl compound and pyrrolidine 4- B-dimethylaminoethyl -4-methy1-3 ,3-diphenyll-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- ,8-dimethylaminoethyl) -5-rnethyl-3 ,3 -diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-('y-aminopropyl)-3-phenyl3-(2-piperidyl)-l-methyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-cyanoethyl. compound by catalytic reduction 7 4- 'y-dirnethylaminopropyl) -3-phenyl-3 [4- (N-methylpiperidyl) ]-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding *y-bromopropyl compound and dimethylamine 4- B-methylaminoethyl) -3,3-diphenyll-rnethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-aminoethyl compound and methyl chloride 4- fi-methylethylaminoethyl) .-3 ,3 -diphenyll-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-rnethylaminoethyl compound and ethyl chloride 4- v-dimethylamino-Z-propyl -3 ,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl- Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 'y-chloro-T- propyl compound and dimethylamine 4-( 8-methylaminoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and methylamine 4- (fl-dimethylaminoethyl) -3,3 -diphenyl-1-cyclohexyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- fi-dimethylarninoethyl) -3 ,3-diphenyl l-benzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding S-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(fl-dimethylaminoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1- t benzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(B-diallylaminoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1-isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 8-chloroethyl compound and diallylarnine 4-(fi-hydroxyethylaminoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)- l-cyclohexyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and ethanolamine pyridyl)-l-n-butyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the correspending fl-chlroethyl compound and diethanolamine 4-(5-allylaminoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridy1)-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidir'rone from the corresponding ,S-chloro- I ethyl compound and allylamine 4- (B-phenylaminoethyl -3 -phenyl-3- (Z-pyridyl) 1- ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and aniline 4-(fi-dipropylaminoethy1)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)- l-methyl-Z-lryrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dipropylamine 4+ B- (N-methylphenylamino -cthyl] -3- (p-rnethoxypheny1)-3-(2'pyridyl) l-methyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloro'ethyl compound and N-methylaniline 4- ,B-dimethylaminoethyl) -3 (p-methoxyphenyl) -3 (2-pyridyl)-1-etl1yl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding p-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(B-dimethylaminoethyl)-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3- (Z-pyridyl)-1-isopropyi-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine v I 4-(fl-methylaminoethyl)-3-isopropy1-3-phenyl-l-ethyl- 2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding (i-chloroethyl compound and .rnethylarnine 4-(fi-dimethylaminoethyn-1,3-di-isopropyl-3- phenyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chlo'roethyl compound and dimethylarnine 4- fi-dimethylaminoethyl) -3 -methyl-3 -phenyl-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-( 8-benzy1aminoethyl) -3 -cyclopentyl-3-pheny1-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and benzylamine 4- (,B-dimethylaminoethyl)-3-cyc1ohexyl-3-phenyl- 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(A-dimethylamino-2'-butyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropy1- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding chloro compound and dimethylamine 1 4-('y-dimethylaminobutyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding cbloro compound and dimethylamine 4- ('y dimethylamino-fi-rnethylpropyl) -3 ,3 -dipheny1- 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from vthe corresponding chloro compound and dimethylamine These compounds are all preferably isolated in the form of their hydrochloride, hydrobrornide, :maleate, fumarate,

citrate, or methobromide salts.

4- [fl-(2-methylmorpholino -et'nyl] -3-al1yl-3-pheny1- l-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and Z-methylmorpholine 4- [18- (2',6'-dimethylmorpholino -ethyl] -3,3-dicyclohexyl-l-allyl-2pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and 2,6-dimethylmorpholine 4- [,8(2-rnethoxymorpholino -ethyl]-3,3-dimethyll-phenyl-Z-pyrrolidinonefrom thelcorresponding fichloroethyl compound and 2-methoxymorpholine 4-'(;9-morpholinoethyl)3-benzyl-3-pheny1-1-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding {ii-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- (fi-morpholinoethyl -3-pheny13-( l-isopropyl-3- pyrrolidyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-Pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(fi-morpholinoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3-thienyl)- 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and-morpholine 4-(fi-morpholinoethyl)r3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3-thenyl)- 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine Y 4- ,B-morpholinoethyl ,-3 -phenyl-3- p-methoxyphenyl) 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding S-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- fi-morpholinoethyl -3-phenyl-3 (m-chlorophenyl 1-isopropy1-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- fi-rnorpholinoethyl) -3-phenyl-3- (o-methylphenyl) 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- fi-morpholinoethyl') -3 -methy1-3-cycl op entyl- 1 isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(fi-morpholinopropyl -3 ,3-diphenyl-1-isopr0pyl 2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding {S -chloropropyl compound and morpholine 4-(B-thiomorpholinopropyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropylz-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloropropyl compound and thio'morpholine 4-(fi-morpholinoethyl)-4-methyl-3,B-diphenyl-L' isopropyl-Lpyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(fl-morpholinoethyl)-5-methyl-3,3-dipheny1-1- isopropy1-2-pyrroiidinone from the corresponding fi-iodoethyl compound and morpholine 4- [gamma- (2,6'-dimethylmorpholino -propyl] -3- phenyl-3-(2-piperidyl)-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding -chloropropyl compound and 2,6-dimethy1morpho1ine 4- [gamma- 3 ,5 '-dimethylrnorpholino) propyl] -3 pheny1-3- [4'- (N-methylpiperidyl) ]-1-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 'y-chloropropyl compound and 3,5-dimethylmorpholine 4- ,B-morpholinoethyl) -3,3 -diphenyl-1-methyl-2- pyrrolidinone fi'omthe corresponding S-aminoethyl compound and bis-(fi-chloroethyhether 4-(fi-thiomorpholinoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-ethy1-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-aminoethyl compound and bis-(fl-chloroethylflhioether,

4-(y-morpholinoriZflpropyl)-3,3-dipheny1-l-isopropyl- Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding y-chloro-Z propyl compound and morpholine.

4-(fi-morpholinoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isobutyl-Z- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-bromoethyl compound and morpholine 4-(B-morpholinoethy1)-3,3-diphenyl-1-cyclohexyl 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(fl-morpholinoethyl) -3,3-diphenyl-1-benzyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(B-morpholinoethyl) -3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridy1)-1- benzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding p-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(B-morpholinoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridy1)-1- isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding V B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- fi-morpholinoethyl) -3-pheny1-3 (Z-pyridyl) -1- cyclohexyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding r B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 

1. A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A 1,3,3-TRISUBSTITUTED4-(BETA-HALO ETHYL)-2-PYRROLIDINONE WHICH COMPRISES MIXING AND REACTING TOGETHER AND ALPHA,ALPHA-DISUBSTITUTEDALPHA (N-SUBSTITUTED-3-PYRROLIDYL)-ACETIC ACID, WHEREIN THE SUBSTITUENTS AT THE ALPHA CARBON OF THE ACETIC ACID AND THE N-POSITION OF THE PYRROLIDYL RING ARE FREE OF INTERFERING GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALLY CONTAIN AT MOST FIFTEEN CARBON ATOMS INCLUSIVE, WITH A COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF THIONYL HALIDES AND PHOSPHORUS HALIDES, TO PRODUCE THE DESIRED 1,3,3-TRISUBSTITUTED-4-(BETA-HALO ETHYL)-2-PYRROLIDINONE WHEREIN THE SUBSTITUENT IN THE 1 POSITION CORRESPONDS TO THAT IN THE N-POSITION OF THE STARTING ACETIC ACID, THE TWO SUBSTITUENTS IN THE 3-POSITION CORRESPOND TO THOSE IN THE ALPHA POSTION OF THE STARTING ACETIC ACID, AND THE HALOGEN IN THE BETA POSITION OF THE 4-ETHYL GROUP CORRESPONDS TO THE HALOGEN OF THE HALIDE EMPLOYED. 